[TenTec] Paragon II

[David Drake]

Glen, Great job on the data and comments.  I may have to re-think a 
Jupiter versus a Paragon II.  The computer control issue is nice, but 
really is just a new toy.  The DSP is also nice too.  Well, I'm sure 
everyone appreciates your comments.  We need more of this discussion on 
the reflector.  I love Ten Tec equipment and have been to the factory 
several times.  Great people.

David Drake, Wd9cmd
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Wa4aos at aol.com>
To: <tentec at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2004 5:49 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Paragon II


> Hi,
>
> Just a few words about the Paragon II verses the Jupiter. There are 
> pro's and
> con's both ways. I have 2) Paragon II's and I have Had 2) Jupiter's.
>
> First, I have to say the audio for SWL and AM broadcast is very nice 
> on the
> Jupiter; a real joy to listen to. The digital niceties of the Jupiter 
> are great
> in terms of quickly tuning through the broadcast or SWL FREQs.
>
> The Paragon II is much improved over the original Paragon. It too has 
> great
> audio but not quite as nice as the Jupiter. Note, I said that I had 
> two
> Jupiter's. I have many Ten Tec rigs, some 68 or 69 different TT rigs 
> in fact. Yes, I
> know I am sick but I like the Ten Tec stuff and I like the company.
> I want go into my huge Heathkit, Drake and Collins collections at this 
> time.
> Getting back to the Paragon II. What I like about this rig over the 
> Jupiter
> is it's ability to receive weak signals above 14 MHz. I found both of 
> the
> Jupiter's to have excellent sensitivity below 14 MHz but lacking 
> above. I talked to
> Ten Tec service dept. and they mentioned a cap that could be removed 
> from one
> of the boards and this did help a little. They also told me that the 
> Jupiter
> is very quiet and that is why it seems to have low in sensitivity.
>
> So, I hooked up my calibrated HP signal generator and made the 
> following
> observations.
>
>                               3.7        7.2       14.2     21.3 
> 28.4 MHz
> _________________________________________________________________
> Paragon II
>
> Sens. (S+N)/N          .19       .17        .2       .24         .27 
> uV
>
> Min. Disern.             .02       .01        .04      .05         .07
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Jupiter
>
> Sens (S+N)/N           .37     .38         .58      .69          .7 
> uV
> Min Disern.              .22    .29           .42      .51         .56
>
> Both Paragon II's and both Jupiter's tested very close to each other. 
> Even
> with the Sensistivity of the Jupiter measuring higher than the Paragon 
> II, it
> still was lots of fun to use; I will probably buy Jupiter #3 at some 
> point but
> no rush.
>
> I can give any Paragon II user one piece of advice. If you will take 
> an hour
> and go through and spray a small amount of Deoxit under all of the 
> harness and
> coaxial connectors, you will be amazed at how the receiver will come 
> to life.
> The Paragon II has been out of production for some time now and all of 
> those
> connectors have oxidized a bit. The accumulative effect does take it's 
> toll on
> the rigs performance.
>
> Just be sure to be very careful and get all of the connectors plugged 
> in
> correctly. the Paragon II has many connectors through out the unit and 
> some take a
> little effort to get to. All of the cables should have labels that 
> match
> locations of the various boards.
> If you have a decent digital camera take a pic or three before you get
> started in case you get lost in the process.
>
> The other thing I like about the Paragon II is the fact that it is a 
> NON SMT
> box. All, through the hole assembly, which means that it will be 
> serviceable
> for years to come. I would hat to have to troubleshoot the Jupiter's 
> main
> system board.
>
> Please note that I am not trying to take away anything from the 
> Jupiter. In
> it's price range, I think it is an outstanding rig and like I said, 
> the audio
> alone is almost reason to have one. With the cold months coming up, 
> the Jupiter
> will make a fine rig for almost anyone
> .
> Also note, that these were my observations and my measurements and may 
> or may
> not represent the many other Paragon II' or Jupiter's that have been 
> built.
>
> If you do have a Paragon II, do try the Deoxit suggestion, You will 
> not be
> disappointed...
>
> Hope this list remains online and active for just a few more 
> centuries...
>
> REMEMBER: the Ten Tec Hamfest is in two weekends..
>
> 73,
>
> Glenn WA4AOS
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